Sonics drop a heartbreaker to Kings, 103-101

Originally published January 27, 2008 at 12:00 am

Updated January 28, 2008 at 1:02 am

Kevin Martin scored Sacramento's final five points, including a frantic race the length of the court for a 20-footer as the clock expired, and the Kings extended the Seattle SuperSonics' franchise-record losing streak to 14 with a 103-101 victory tonight.

SEATTLE — Kevin Martin scored Sacramento’s final five points, including a frantic race the length of the court for a 20-footer as the clock expired, and the Kings extended the Seattle SuperSonics’ franchise-record losing streak to 14 with a 103-101 victory tonight.

Damien Wilkins pulled the Sonics even at 101-all, hitting a challenged 3-pointer over John Salmons with 6.1 seconds left. Out of timeouts, Martin raced into the frontcourt, dribbling through most of the Seattle defense and into the deep corner. He leaned under the outstretched arm of Wilkins and nailed the shot, sending the Kings bench racing toward him at the other end of the court.

Officials reviewed the call to make sure the ball left Martin’s hand before the buzzer, and the Sonics remained on the court, hopeful of getting a chance at overtime and snapping their skid. But it was clear Martin got the shot off in time, concluding a frantic final few minutes.

Martin finished with 26 points, one of seven Kings in double figures. He appeared to give the Kings the lead for good with an improbable tip-in with 17 seconds left, but Sacramento needed Martin’s heroics at the end.

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